Director: Biodiversity Mainstreaming

Director: Biodiversity Mainstreaming

Salary Level 13
Pretoria National Botanical Garden

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated professional to provide managerial leadership and strategic direction.

Minimum Requirements:

This position requires a postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, or equivalent and relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF level 9 will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years work experience in the relevant field, 5 years of which should be at middle management level. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.

Competencies:

The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:

• Extensive work experience on biodiversity mainstreaming.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of biodiversity stewardship and associated legislation.
• Understanding of ecological infrastructure.
• Competency in social learning processes and facilitating organisational learning.
• Ability to analyse scientific information and provide evidence-based advice for policy and practice.
• Understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation policies and frameworks.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
• Strong leadership capabilities and management skills.
• Professional writing and editing skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Reliable, and ability to solve complex and challenging problems.
• Advanced planning, organizing, interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook) is essential.
• The possession of a valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel is essential.

Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Champion the development and implementation of the Biodiversity Mainstreaming program of work.
• Provide leadership and technical advice on key strategic interventions including the biodiversity stewardship work and strategies on securing Strategic Water Source Areas.
• Knowledge generation and synthesis of information to facilitate learning and transformative change at the interface of biodiversity science, policy and practice.
• Provide science-based policy advice to organs of state on matters related to biodiversity mainstreaming.
• Facilitate human capital development, change and transformation within the Directorate.
• Ensure proper governance, effective risk management and compliance to applicable legislation.